Volunteer's time to shine

HELEN Wood's commitment to swimming over 40 years has had a profound effect on her life.

"It's given me opportunities I may not have had otherwise," Ms Woods said. "I've been able to travel the world, take part in amazing events and it's given me a career as well."

The Sandy Point resident was recognised for her efforts in supporting the sport with a Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day.

Ms Wood became involved in swimming in the early 1980s when her four children competed.

"I got sick of just being a spectator and wanted to get involved.

"At first I became a referee and then I was appointed to the NSW Swimming Association."

She held several voluntary positions with NSW Swimming and served on the education and competitions committees.

In 1995 she was the Australian assistant team manager at the World Short Course Championships in Rio de Janeiro and in 1996, 1997 and 1998 she was the Australian team manager at the high altitude training camps in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The life member of Swimming NSW and patron of Peakhurst Swimming Club was recognised for her work in record and time keeping and maintaining electronic equipment.

"My specialty is the technological side of things, to make sure all the equipment runs smoothly and all of the results are collected."

She ran the equipment at the Argentina World Disabled Games in 2002 and was the chief recorder at the World Gay Games in Sydney in 2002, the World Disability Games in Hong Kong in 2003 and the Masters World Championships in Sydney in 2009.